Abbey Playgroup

Abbey Playgroup Vicarage Road, Minster on Sea, Sheerness, Kent, ME12 2HE

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Inspection date

Previous inspection date 3 October 2017 20 April 2017

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management Requires improvement Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Requires improvement Personal development, behaviour and welfare Requires improvement Outcomes for children Requires improvement

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This provision requires improvement. It is not yet good because:

 Staff do not have high enough expectations of children. The opportunities they provide do not consistently challenge children according to their level of development, or help children to maintain a higher level of interest and engagement.  Staff do not make good use of all areas of the setting to extend children’s physical learning experiences, in particular to fully support children who prefer learning outdoors.  Staff do not consistently develop effective partnerships with parents, to promote continuity in children’s learning and development.  The arrangements for settling children are not effective in consistently providing children with the feeling of security and awareness of the routine that they need.

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It has the following strengths

 Partnerships with the local authority and other sources of support have helped managers effect some improvements. Managers are aware of ensuring all people who work with the children are suitable, and in ensuring children are cared for in a safe environment.  Children behave well. They demonstrate an appropriate understanding of the rules at the setting. Most children are happy to take turns, share and help others in their play.  Children build secure bonds with staff. They enjoy talking with staff and involving them in their play.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 implement more effective plans for children's learning, which take account of their individual needs and engage them in good-quality and challenging learning opportunities  improve children's daily experiences, so they benefit from accessing all available space to strengthen further their physical development  strengthen the partnerships with parents by encouraging them to share information about their children's achievements at home  develop the processes in place further, to help new children settle in more swiftly.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector completed a joint observation with the manager of the pre-school.  The inspector spoke to staff and children at appropriate times.  The inspector spoke to a selection of parents and took account of their views.  The inspector sampled children's records and planning documentation. She also looked at the suitability of staff working with the children.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management requires improvement

The manager has identified some weaknesses to address in the educational programme provided. However, she has not focused on developing staff's teaching skills to enable children's learning experiences to continually improve. Although partnerships with parents are established, staff do not seek information on children's achievements and learning at home. Safeguarding is effective. Staff have a sound awareness and understanding of the procedures to follow should they have any concerns about a child in their care. Staff undertake daily risk assessments to ensure there are no hazards to address. The manager follows newly updated recruitment procedures, to help ensure the suitability of new staff. Staff meet regularly with the manager to discuss their work with the children and any safeguarding issues. The setting is safe and secure. There is a range of policies and records that helps to support childcare practices. Self-evaluation is developing, and the

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management requires improvement

manager and staff are committed to improvement.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment requires improvement

Staff observe children and assess some of their learning. However, the planning is still developing, and staff do not challenge children effectively enough in their play. Staff interact with children and provide some support in their learning, although they do not always consider children's developmental stages. Outdoor play resources are poor and do not engage children for long. Children have opportunities to learn and enjoy a variety of play experiences. For example, they like creating collages from leaves and twigs collected on a recent nature walk. They also appreciate the play dough rolled in glitter and make models of their choice. This helps to build on their creative development. Books are popular with some children, and staff are happy to read stories to them.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare require improvement

Staff do not give new children the support they need to settle in quickly. For example, by using a visual prompt of what is happening next to reassure children about when their mothers are coming to pick them up. Staff support children to find out more about their local community. They enjoy trips to the local Church Abbey and surrounding area. Overall, children have healthy food choices at snack time and enjoy local walks to promote some physical activity.

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Outcomes for children require improvement

Children do not consistently make good enough progress to reach their full potential. Teaching and learning still require improvement to provide a more-challenging environment for children. However, most gain the skills they need for the next stage in their education. Overall, children are developing confidence and self-esteem.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 126947 Local authority Kent Inspection number 1097927 Type of provision Sessional provision Day care type Childcare - Non-Domestic Registers Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Age range of children 2 - 8 Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 14 Name of registered person Abbey Playgroup Committee

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reference number

Date of previous inspection 20 April 2017 Telephone number 07851429453

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reference number

Abbey Playgroup registered in 1992. It is located in Minster on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent. The playgroup opens each weekday from 9am to midday, during term time only. The playgroup employs five members of staff, four of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications to level 3.

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reference number

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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reference number

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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reference number

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reference number

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reference number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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